Replace Your Metal Roof – Cost Guide

Metal roof replacement in Nassau County costs $14 to $28 per square foot installed, which translates to $21,000 to $42,000 for a typical 1,500-square-foot roof-and here’s why your number will be higher or lower than that. A straightforward standing-seam replacement on a 1,200-square-foot ranch in Massapequa with minimal deck damage? You’re looking at $22,000 to $28,000. A complex 2,400-square-foot colonial in Old Westbury with multiple dormers, a failing deck in several sections, and corroded flashing that needs total reconstruction? Closer to $50,000 or more. The spread comes down to five factors I see swing replacement costs on every Nassau County job: what system you’re replacing, how much hidden damage we uncover during tear-off, your roof’s pitch and complexity, coastal exposure requirements, and whether we’re meeting current code with entirely new framing details.

This guide gives you the cost structure I use when pricing metal replacements across Nassau County. You’ll see sample project breakdowns, what’s actually included in the price, and which decisions put you at the low or high end of that range.

Quick Snapshot: Metal Roof Replacement Cost Basics

Let’s separate replacement from new installation right away. When I quote a metal roof replacement, that price includes tearing off your existing roof, disposing of every panel and fastener, inspecting and repairing the deck, and then installing the new system to current code. A new metal roof on bare framing during a build? You skip the first three steps entirely. That difference usually adds $3 to $6 per square foot to your total.

People search “metal roof cost” online and see wildly conflicting numbers because half the results are talking about new construction and the other half are talking about replacement-two totally different scopes. When I’m estimating a tear-off job, I’m assuming disposal fees, deck repairs, and permit requirements that don’t exist on a fresh build.

Here’s where metal sits compared to shingles. Replacing an asphalt shingle roof on that same 1,500-square-foot Nassau County home runs $8,000 to $14,000. Metal replacement is almost always two to three times that base number. Homeowners choose metal replacement for three reasons: they already have metal and want to maintain that durability and appearance, they’re tired of frequent shingle repairs after storms, or they’re planning to stay in the house long enough that metal’s 40- to 60-year lifespan makes financial sense.

What’s Included in a Metal Roof Replacement Price?

Let’s walk through the line items you’ll see on a proper replacement quote. Every one of these affects your final number.

Tear-Off and Roof Deck Work

Tear-off means removing every panel, trim piece, and fastener from your existing metal roof, plus all underlayment down to bare deck. I price this at $1.50 to $3 per square foot depending on fastener type and panel interlocking-standing seam with concealed clips comes off faster than corrugated with 200 exposed screws per square. Disposal adds another $800 to $1,500 for a typical residential project in Nassau County; local transfer stations charge by weight and volume, and metal is heavy.

Here’s the part that changes quotes fast: deck condition. On a Lynbrook cape I priced last fall, we budgeted $1,200 for “typical” deck repairs-maybe 10 to 15 sheets of plywood in valleys and around chimneys where moisture tends to collect. During tear-off, we found rot across 40% of the deck from a long-term flashing failure the homeowner didn’t know about. Deck repair jumped to $4,800. That’s why honest contractors include a contingency or note that deck work is “as-needed” with a not-to-exceed cap.

Underlayment, Ice Protection, and Flashing

Every metal roof replacement I spec gets synthetic underlayment across the entire deck-$0.50 to $0.90 per square foot installed-plus ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys, sidewalls, and around every penetration. Nassau County sees freeze-thaw cycles and driving rain from Nor’easters; that ice-and-water layer is your real leak insurance, not the metal itself.

Flashing is where replacement jobs get expensive if the original install was done poorly. New step flashing at walls, counter-flashing at chimneys, valley metal, drip edge, and all the trim pieces at rakes and eaves add $1,200 to $3,500 depending on how many transitions your roof has. On a straightforward gable roof, flashing is simple. On a home with multiple roof-to-wall connections, dormers, and a brick chimney? Flashing becomes a significant material and labor cost.

New Metal Roof System Materials

Material cost depends entirely on which system you choose. Here’s what I see most often in Nassau County:

Ridge caps, gable trim, corner trim, and all the specialized clips or screws that attach your specific system add another 15% to 25% on top of panel cost. Snow guards, if you’re in an area where sliding snow is a concern or code requires them, run $8 to $15 per linear foot installed.

Labor, Safety, and Cleanup

Labor for metal roof replacement typically runs $4 to $9 per square foot depending on system complexity and roof access. Standing seam takes longer to install correctly than exposed-fastener panels because every seam needs proper clip placement and mechanical seaming. Steep roofs require more staging, safety rigging, and crew positioning, which slows the work and increases labor hours.

Nassau County building departments require permits for re-roofing work, and inspections typically happen after tear-off (deck inspection) and after installation (final). I build $400 to $800 into replacement pricing for permit fees and the time to coordinate those inspections. Skipping permits to save money is a gamble that can come back to bite you hard during a sale or an insurance claim after storm damage.

5 Big Factors That Change Your Metal Roof Replacement Cost

1. Roof Size and Complexity

Larger roofs cost more overall but can drop per-square-foot pricing slightly due to material efficiency and labor rhythm. I quoted two projects in Syosset last spring: a 1,000-square-foot ranch at $18 per square foot installed, and a 3,200-square-foot colonial at $15.50 per square foot. The colonial’s size let us order materials in better bulk breaks and keep a crew working steadily without frequent resets.

Complexity matters as much as size. A simple gable with two planes, no valleys, and a single chimney? Fast and straightforward. Add hips, dormers, multiple roof levels, and skylights, and you’re looking at 30% to 50% more labor just to handle all the cutting, fitting, and custom flashing work. I’ve seen 1,200-square-foot complex roofs cost more than 2,000-square-foot simple ones.

2. Type of Metal Roof System You Choose

Your system choice is the single biggest cost lever you control. Corrugated metal on a simple gable might land at $14 to $17 per square foot all-in for replacement. Standing seam on that same roof runs $20 to $26 per square foot. The difference is material cost, installation time, and the number of specialized components (clips, seaming tools, custom trim).

If budget is tight and you prioritize function over aesthetics, exposed-fastener systems deliver solid performance at the lower end of metal pricing. If you want the cleanest look and the longest fastener life-because concealed clips aren’t exposed to UV and weather-standing seam is worth the premium. Metal shingles sit in the middle: better curb appeal than corrugated, easier on the budget than standing seam.

3. Existing Roof Condition and Repairs Needed

I can give you a ballpark price over the phone, but the real number doesn’t lock until we see what’s under your current metal. Roofs that have leaked for years often hide rot in the deck, damaged fascia, and even compromised rafters near problem areas. A Rockville Centre Tudor I bid last summer looked fine from the street; during tear-off we found water damage that required sistering six rafters and replacing 60% of the deck. Budget jumped $8,500.

Poor previous installations add cost too. If someone layered your metal over old shingles (common in the ’90s and early 2000s), we’re tearing off two roofs and dealing with trapped moisture issues. If they used mismatched fasteners or skipped underlayment in sections, we’re fixing those mistakes as part of the replacement scope.

4. Height, Pitch, and Access

Tall, steep roofs require scaffolding, harness systems, and sometimes roof jacks that slow the crew down and add rental/equipment costs. A walkable 4/12-pitch ranch in Hicksville? Crew moves fast, minimal safety setup beyond standard fall protection. A 10/12-pitch two-story colonial in Garden City? We’re adding scaffolding on at least two sides, extra crew members for safety watch, and more careful material handling because nothing can slide. That difference adds $2 to $4 per square foot in labor.

Access matters more than people expect. Tight side yards, gated rear yards, or landscaping that blocks dumpster and material staging all slow the job. I’ve had projects where getting materials to the roof took as long as installing them because we had to hand-carry everything through a narrow walkway. If your driveway is wide open and we can park a dumpster and stage materials right at the house? That’s the cost-effective scenario.

5. Metal Type, Gauge, and Finish

Gauge is thickness. Residential metal roofing runs from 29-gauge (thinner, lighter, lower cost) to 22-gauge (thicker, more dent-resistant, higher cost). A 26-gauge galvanized steel panel costs roughly 30% less than a 24-gauge aluminum panel with a premium Kynar finish. For most Nassau County inland homes, 26- or 24-gauge steel with a good painted finish is the value sweet spot.

Coastal homes are different. If you’re within two miles of the ocean or bays-Oceanside, Long Beach, parts of Massapequa-salt air accelerates corrosion on standard galvanized steel. I push clients toward aluminum or heavily coated steel (Galvalume Plus with premium paint systems) in those zones. Material cost goes up 25% to 40%, but you’re buying a roof that won’t start showing rust in 12 years.

Repair vs. Replace: When Is Full Metal Roof Replacement Worth the Cost?

Not every metal roof problem needs a $30,000 replacement. Here’s how I help homeowners decide.

Signs You May Still Be in ‘Repair’ Territory

• Localized leaks: Water comes from one valley, one flashing area, or around a single penetration-not from multiple zones across the roof.
• Panels and coatings are solid: Most of the roof still looks good with only minor rust spots or a few loose fasteners that can be resealed or replaced.
• Relatively young roof: Your metal is under 25 years old and this is the first round of issues, not a pattern of repeated failures.
• Past repairs held: Previous fixes worked for five-plus years without constant call-backs or expanding problems.

Red Flags That Point Toward Replacement

• Widespread corrosion: Rust across large sections, thinning metal, or coating failure in more than 30% of the roof area.
• Multiple leak zones: Different areas leak during different storms, even after repairs, suggesting systemic failure rather than isolated problems.
• Structural concerns: Sagging panels, soft or spongy deck areas, or extensive hidden damage uncovered during a repair attempt.
• Age and service life: The roof is 35-plus years old and you’re approaching or past the expected lifespan for that specific metal type and installation method.

How a Pro Helps You Run the Numbers

When I inspect a questionable metal roof, I’m asking: how much will it cost to repair this properly, and how many more years will that buy you? If a $4,500 repair gets you another eight to ten solid years and you’re planning to sell in five, repair wins. If that same $4,500 is a band-aid on a failing system and you’ll be back in two years for another $3,000 repair, replacement makes more sense.

I also factor in your plans. Staying in the house another 20 years? A quality metal replacement pays for itself. Selling in three years? Sometimes a strategic repair and good disclosure is the honest move. A good contractor won’t push replacement if your situation doesn’t justify it.

Nassau County Realities That Affect Metal Roof Replacement Cost

Coastal Weather, Salt Air, and Storms

Nassau County spans from inland suburbs to barrier islands. That geography matters for metal roofs. Homes in Merrick, Seaford, and Wantagh near the coast see higher wind loads, salt spray, and moisture exposure than homes in Mineola or Westbury. I spec heavier fastening patterns, upgrade to stainless or coated fasteners, and recommend corrosion-resistant coatings for anything within the coastal influence zone.

These upgrades add $1.50 to $3 per square foot to material and labor cost, but they’re the difference between a 40-year roof and a 20-year roof in that environment. I’ve seen properly spec’d coastal metal roofs in Long Beach that still look great after 25 years, and I’ve seen cheap installs rust out in 10. The upfront cost difference is real but small compared to the protection you’re buying.

Code Requirements, Permits, and Inspections

Nassau County and its towns enforce wind-uplift requirements that affect how metal panels are attached and how many fasteners or clips you need per square. Energy codes sometimes require adding or upgrading insulation during a roof replacement if your attic doesn’t meet current R-value minimums. These aren’t optional-inspectors check and can red-tag work that doesn’t comply.

Permit and inspection costs run $400 to $900 depending on your town and project size. Legitimate contractors build this into their pricing and handle the scheduling. If a bid seems unusually low and doesn’t mention permits, ask directly. Unpermitted work can haunt you during a sale, refinance, or insurance claim.

Budgeting and Comparing Metal Roof Replacement Quotes

Setting a Realistic Budget Range

Start with your roof’s square footage-measure the footprint of your house and add 15% to 25% for pitch and overhang. A 1,200-square-foot footprint with average pitch is roughly 1,500 squares of actual roof area. Multiply that by your chosen system’s typical installed price range. For standing seam, that’s $30,000 to $42,000. Add 10% to 15% contingency for deck repairs and unknowns.

That range becomes your planning budget. Once you have a contractor inspect and measure precisely, you’ll tighten it into a firm number. Talking to a local contractor early-even if you’re six months out from pulling the trigger-helps you understand what you’re really facing and whether your initial budget is in the right ballpark.

What to Look For in a Detailed Proposal

A good replacement quote spells out every major component so you can compare apples to apples across bids:

• Metal type and gauge: “24-gauge Galvalume steel” or “26-gauge aluminum” with finish brand and warranty.
• Tear-off scope: Removal of existing metal, disposal, and whether deck repair is included up to a certain amount or priced separately.
• Underlayment brands and coverage: Synthetic felt across the full deck plus ice-and-water shield at all critical areas.
• Flashing details: New step flashing, drip edge, valley metal, chimney counter-flashing, and trim at all transitions.
• Accessories: Treatment of vents, skylights, gutters, and optional items like snow guards or upgraded ridge vents.
• Warranty: Workmanship warranty length (I offer 10 years) and manufacturer’s warranty on panels and finish.

If a proposal is a single page with one lump-sum number and no breakdown, you can’t evaluate what you’re actually getting. Ask for details before you sign.

Understanding ‘Too-Good-to-Be-True’ Low Bids

I see this constantly: homeowner gets three quotes at $28K, $31K, and $19K, and wants to understand the $19K outlier. Usually it’s thinner metal (29-gauge instead of 24), minimal underlayment, basic flashing, or a tear-off estimate that assumes zero deck repair. The contractor isn’t always dishonest-they might genuinely believe the job will go smoothly-but when hidden issues appear, you’re facing change orders that push the final price past the other bids.

Ask low bidders specific questions: What gauge metal? Which underlayment product? Is deck repair included or extra? Are permits pulled? If they can’t or won’t answer clearly, that’s your red flag. A low bid from a contractor who breaks down the scope and explains how they’re delivering value differently is worth considering. A low bid with vague answers is a gamble.

Getting an Exact Metal Roof Replacement Cost for Your Home

What Happens During an On-Site Evaluation

When I visit for a replacement estimate, I’m measuring the roof with satellite tools and a tape measure, checking pitch with an angle finder, and walking the roof if it’s safe to do so. I look at existing panel type, fastener condition, flashing details, and any visible rust or coating failure. I also check attic ventilation, deck condition from below if accessible, and how your home’s layout affects material staging and access.

We’ll talk through system options-whether you want to match your existing look or upgrade, color choices, and any concerns you have about durability or storm performance. I’ll point out things that might add cost (complex flashing areas, tight access, likely deck repairs) so there are no surprises later. You’ll get a written proposal within 48 hours that breaks down the full scope, materials, timeline, and total cost.

Information to Have Ready Before You Call

The more you can tell me up front, the more accurate my initial budget estimate will be:

• Roof age and history: When was your current metal roof installed, and have you had leaks or repairs?
• Photos: Shots from the ground of all roof sides, plus close-ups of any problem areas-rust, lifted panels, damaged flashing.
• Interior issues: Any attic leaks, stains on ceilings, or moisture problems you’ve noticed.
• Your goals: Are you replacing for function, curb appeal, or long-term “forever roof” peace of mind? That shapes which system and options I recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roof Replacement Cost

Is metal roof replacement always more expensive than repairing?

Replacement costs more up front-usually several times the cost of a typical repair. But if repair costs are stacking up, the roof is 30-plus years old, or you’re just delaying inevitable replacement, the math shifts. I’ve had clients spend $6,000 on repairs over three years and still need a $28,000 replacement; they’d have saved money and stress by replacing earlier. After inspection, I can show you realistic repair-vs-replace numbers for your specific roof so you’re making the call with good information, not guessing.

Can a new metal roof be installed over my existing metal roof to save money?

Sometimes, but it’s rare and requires careful evaluation. Code limits how many roof layers you can have, and structural capacity has to support the weight of two metal systems plus snow load. If your existing metal is failing due to rust or fastener problems, covering it just hides the issue temporarily. In the few cases where a roof-over makes sense-solid existing panels, minimal fastener degradation, and structural approval-you save tear-off and disposal cost but lose the chance to inspect and repair the deck. I’ll tell you honestly whether it’s viable for your situation.

Will insurance help pay for metal roof replacement?

If your roof was damaged by a covered event-wind, hail, falling tree-your homeowner’s policy may cover part or all of replacement cost, minus your deductible. Age and wear alone aren’t covered; insurance doesn’t pay for replacement just because your roof is old. After storm damage, have a contractor inspect and document what’s covered versus what’s pre-existing. I work with adjusters regularly and can help you understand what your policy is likely to pay.

Do you offer financing or staged payment options?

Yes. Many homeowners spread the cost of a metal roof replacement over time using financing partners we work with or structured payment schedules tied to project milestones. We can discuss payment options during your estimate visit so the project fits your budget timeline.

Do you replace metal roofs throughout Nassau County, NY?

We cover all of Nassau County-from the barrier island communities like Long Beach and Island Park to inland towns like Garden City, Mineola, and Glen Cove. I’ve worked on metal replacements across ranch homes, colonials, Tudors, and contemporary designs in every corner of the county. Call or request a visit for your specific address and we’ll schedule an evaluation.

Turn Your Metal Roof Replacement Cost into a Confident Plan

Metal roof replacement in Nassau County is a premium investment-$14 to $28 per square foot, shaped by your roof’s size, complexity, condition, and the system you choose. Understanding what’s included in that price and what drives it higher or lower helps you compare quotes, avoid surprises, and make the right call between repair and replacement.

Schedule a roof evaluation so we can inspect your home, measure accurately, talk through your options, and give you a detailed written replacement quote. Bring your budget questions and your plans for the house-how long you’re staying, what performance you need, and what matters most to you-so the solution we recommend makes sense both financially and for how you use your home. Metal roof replacement is a big decision; let’s make it a confident one.